Author Archives: 9siduri

Review of “The Bad Lands” by John Metcalfe: Halloween Countdown

For October 4 Plot: To “slay the demon of neurosis,” Brent Ormerod takes a vacation in the quiet town of Todd on the Norfolk coast of England. As part of his treatment, he gets plenty of exercise and fresh air. He returns to the hotel from these daily walks exhausted and sleeps. Things go wellContinue reading “Review of “The Bad Lands” by John Metcalfe: Halloween Countdown”

Review of “Amour Dure” by Vernon Lee: Halloween Countdown

For October 3 Plot:Polish scholar Spiridion Trepka, working for a German university, is in Italy researching the archives of the fictional town of Urbania. He has come to find the Past. He comes across the story of Medea di Capri, a 16th-century noblewoman who left a trail of dead husbands and lovers and was finallyContinue reading “Review of “Amour Dure” by Vernon Lee: Halloween Countdown”

Review of “The Thing in the Cellar” by David H. Keller: Halloween Countdown

For October 2:Plot:From his earliest days, Tommy Tucker seemed uneasy in the kitchen, especially if the door to the cellar was open. The cellar was larger than one would expect for the size of the house. The entrance was a “stout oaken door,” more suitable for an outside door. The author tells the reader theContinue reading “Review of “The Thing in the Cellar” by David H. Keller: Halloween Countdown”

Review of “The Graveyard Rats” by Henry Kuttner: Halloween Countdown

For October 1: Plot:Old Masson became the caretaker of one of Salem’s oldest and most neglected cemeteries after the former caretaker inexplicably disappeared. Generations ago, abnormally large rats migrated up to the burial ground from the wharves. Masson decided they had to go, but the usual measures failed. Every so often, the gravediggers uncover theirContinue reading “Review of “The Graveyard Rats” by Henry Kuttner: Halloween Countdown”

Review of “Rapture-Palooza” (2013)

What would Saturday night pizza and bad movie be without a bad movie? It had its moments, but it also had moments of ICK. Plot:Lindsey Lewis (Anna Kendrick) and her boyfriend Ben House (John Francis Daley) missed the rapture. Lindsey’s mom was raptured but was sent back, complete with white robe and number, after sheContinue reading “Review of “Rapture-Palooza” (2013)”

Review of “The Maze” (1953)

This black-and-white horror flick was a recommendation from my friend Tracy. She has yet to steer me wrong. Plot:Kitty Murray (Veronica Hurst) and Gerald MacTeam (Richard Carlson) are enjoying a vacation in the south of France. They expect to be married in two weeks. With them are Kitty’s Aunt Edith (Katherine Emery) and the about-to-beContinue reading “Review of “The Maze” (1953)”

Review of “Duck Soup” (1933)

This is our latest Saturday pizza and bad movie offering. I saw it originally in college—that is, not recently. I thought it was hilarious and a biting satire, though frankly, I didn’t remember much of it. Plot: The cash-strapped (fictional) country of Freedonia appeals to the wealthy widow Mrs. Gloria Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) for $20Continue reading “Review of “Duck Soup” (1933)”

Review of “The Case Against Christian Nationalism: An Expository Commentary on Stephen Wolfe’s Book” by Blake Callens

I apologize in advance. This is even longer than usual.The Stuff: Author Blake Callens wrote this book in response to The Case for Christan Nationalism by Stephen Wolfe. It is information-dense and appears intended for a Christian audience—perhaps clergy?—who understands theology and American and European history. All is not lost, however. Even an old heathenContinue reading “Review of “The Case Against Christian Nationalism: An Expository Commentary on Stephen Wolfe’s Book” by Blake Callens”

Review of “Reunion: A Story: A Novella” by Alex Diaz-Granados

Full disclosure: author Alex Diaz-Granados and I have been net buddies for (is it possible?) nearly twenty years, first becoming acquainted at the now-defunct site Epinions, lo, these many years ago. Plot:Jim Garraty’s dream of becoming a history professor at a prestigious university has come true. He has some well-regarded publications under his belt andContinue reading “Review of “Reunion: A Story: A Novella” by Alex Diaz-Granados”